A UN report indicates significant expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, deemed illegal under international law. Accusations of war crimes by the UN High Commissioner call for urgent international intervention amidst growing fears of annexation. Approximately 700,000 settlers now occupy land alongside 2.7 million Palestinians, impacting regional stability.
In a recent report from the UN human rights office, it was highlighted that Israel has intensified its settlement activities in the occupied West Bank, thereby integrating these territories into Israel itself, which contravenes international law. The report, covering the period from November 1, 2023, to October 31, 2024, indicated a substantial increase in Israeli settlements, particularly in East Jerusalem, with plans for tens of thousands of new housing units identified by Israeli NGOs.
The findings will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council this month amid rising concerns regarding potential annexation from the Palestinian perspective. This development coincides with the evolving U.S. policy under President Donald Trump and the establishment of new settler outposts in areas that are viewed as integral to a prospective Palestinian state.
UN High Commissioner Volker Turk condemned the actions, stating, “The transfer by Israel of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies amounts to a war crime,” and called for concerted international efforts to address these issues. He urged Israel to halt all settlement expansions, evacuate settlers, and prevent violent actions by its security forces and settlers against Palestinians.
The report notes that approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers reside among 2.7 million Palestinian individuals in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel in 1967. Most nations classify these settlements as illegal since they occupy land seized during warfare. Furthermore, according to the report, Israeli military operations in the region are labeled as counter-terrorism efforts targeting suspected militants.
In summary, the UN’s recent report underscores the escalating Israeli settlement activities in the occupied West Bank, which not only breach international law but also exacerbate the situation for Palestinians. The UN High Commissioner has called for immediate cessation of these activities to prevent further violations and ensure the protection of Palestinian rights.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
